According to Sports Illustrated, the award Kaepernick was given is meant to “celebrate individuals whose dedication to the ideals of sportsmanship has spanned decades and whose career in athletics has directly or indirectly impacted the world.”

Kaepernick ignited controversy last year when he knelt during the playing of the national anthem prior to a preseason game as a protest against supposed racial injustice in America. Other players imitated his protest, and the controversy intensified after President Donald Trump disparaged the kneeling players during a rally in September.

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Kaepernick, though, has not played in the NFL this season, as he opted out his contract with the 49ers in March. He filed a collusion grievance against NFL owners in October, claiming that the league “entered into an enforced, implied and/or express agreements” to specifically keep him unsigned.

“With or without the NFL’s platform, I will continue to work for the people, because my platform is the people,” he said Tuesday night during his acceptance speech, according to the New York Daily News.

The quarterback has previously expressed sentiments that some have interpreted as anti-police. For instance, he was once photographed wearing a pair of socks that depicted police officers as pigs.

At the time, he defended himself by saying he wore the socks “because the rogue cops that are allowed to hold positions in police departments, not only put the community in danger, but also put the cops that have the right intentions in danger by creating an environment of tension and mistrust.”

Beyoncé has also been vocal with her criticism of police. The music video for her 2016 song “Formation” included a segment in which a police cruiser was shown to be sinking in a New Orleans flood.

In her speech presenting Kaepernick with the award, Beyoncé thanked him for his “selfless heart” and his “conviction.”

“Colin took action with no fear of consequence or repercussion only hope to change the world for the better. To change perception, to change the way we treat each other, especially people of color,” she said.